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Tue, 03 Mar 2015 20:25:43 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=3.5.1Weekend Roundup: Quoi faire ce weekend?http://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-quoi-faire-ce-weekend-5/
http://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-quoi-faire-ce-weekend-5/#commentsThu, 19 Feb 2015 16:38:33 +0000Jean McLernonhttp://apt613.ca/?p=80254We’ve got a well rounded weekend ahead of us complete with art shows, killer music and SNL veteran cast members coming to town to entertain. Support artistic representation, local music and laugh yourself into good health all weekend long!

This Friday in art we have Sacred Defiance at PDA projects. Aydin Matlabi commemorative exhibition pays respects to the fallen soldiers from the Iranian war. The portraits represent what the soldiers might have looked like in various calm, composed, and faithful poses in a bold contrast to the violence and needless loss of the war. There will be an afterparty at SAW for their newest event series called SPOOR. Dress in Black and be ready for techno! Central Art Garage is also hosting an opening for Shaken Antlers by Halifax based artist Craig Leonard.

Nerd out on Friday with The Ultimate Nerd Challenge at City Hall (Jean Pigott Hall). Its a fundraiser for ACORN Canada which leads and wins social justice campaigns nationally. Register your team on the website, and show off your skills. If your brain is more geared towards particular content, Raw Sugar Cafe is having a Twin Peaksthemed trivia night on Monday. Raw Sugar has trivia most weeks so stay tuned for upcoming themes like Seinfeld.

Friday night kicks off the weekend of epic music as always, with BADBADNOTGOOD playing Mavericks with Estan, Zoo Legacy and Cabaal. Ottawa Showbox presents No Aloha, Bonnie Doon and Nightshades with DJ Smiles at Mugshots. These three bands perfectly encompass punk, garage and surf rock putting Ottawa in the mindset for warm weather while its still cold outside.

If Hip-Hop is more your scene, check out the monthly addition of Hip-Hop Karaoke hosted by Atherton Friday night at The Elmdale. If you haven’t had a chance to drop in on this party before, its a good time regardless of musical taste. It brings the hilarity of Karaoke and drops it right into the nightclub, bringing mic rocking right up close to the audience. If you miss it, Elmdale and Atherton also team up Saturday night for A&E “Anything and Everything” dance party, a fun night of frivolity, friendship and good music. Finally, Paug Lake Road will be having their CD release Saturday night at Pressed. This folky-pop group has spent a lot of time fine tuning their newest album, and are joined for the evening by folk duo Bibs and Brent.

For comedy this Saturday, Jon Lovitz and Rob Schneider come to Centerpointe Theatre for a Veterans of SNL evening. Both will be performing stand-up routines based off their experiences and characters from their Saturday Night Live days, which will be an amazing continuation of comedy after this weeks 40 year celebration SNL had.

It’s also the last weekend of undercurrents at Arts Court and The Vagina Monologues continue to raise funds to end violence against women with their performance at The Bronson Centre. What did we miss, Ottawa?

Make sure to tag your Instagram pics with #apt613wknd and maybe even have your pictures featured on Monday!

]]>http://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-quoi-faire-ce-weekend-5/feed/1Live! on Elgin: Theatre and music in the heart of Ottawahttp://apt613.ca/live-on-elgin-theatre-and-music-in-the-heart-of-ottawa/
http://apt613.ca/live-on-elgin-theatre-and-music-in-the-heart-of-ottawa/#commentsTue, 10 Feb 2015 13:13:23 +0000Terry Steeveshttp://apt613.ca/?p=79878Lawrence and Jon Evenchick, the father and son team behind the anticipated Live! on Elgin, invited media this Sunday to show what they have in store for their local arts venue set to open on May 1st.

Surrounded by Confederation Park, Parliament, and the hub of shops and restaurants on Elgin St, the location is ideal for this unique and welcomed establishment. Mayor Jim Watson was in attendance, donning the hard hat and sledgehammer to christen the ensuing demolition by driving the first hole in the wall. He also presented a groundbreaking ceremonial plaque, thanking the Evenchicks for investing in Ottawa and creating an innovative facility. He expressed the importance in the investment of the arts in Ottawa. It gives artists a place to congregate and showcase themselves, nurtures quality of life, gives support, opportunity and money back to the arts community and puts Ottawa on the map of artistic hotspots that draws tourists and residents alike.

Plans to start demolition will begin immediately, which entail blowing out the walls of several rooms to open a large area with seating enough for an audience of approximately 75, an adjoining bar/foyer area and dressing rooms for the performers. The idea is to have a variety of arts under one roof, including bands and solo performers, open mic nights, karaoke, theatre productions, comedy acts, and visual art presentations…seven nights a week.

Ideas to house two different events in one evening are also in the works…for example, an earlier timed comedy act followed by a musical performance. The venue will give Ottawa artists a place to showcase their talents at a modest, affordable rate. During the day, the establishment can be rented out as rehearsal or meeting space. There is also potential in partnering up with some of the festivals within close proximity, where the facility could be used to showcase some of the performers.

Seating inside will be set up cabaret-style, with lower-level tables and chairs closest to the stage and high-top cocktail tables and stools in the rear to allow for ideal sight lines. The stage will consist of 4X4 risers that can be configured anyway that’s desirable. Food will be available from Dunn’s, located directly underneath the venue.

Future bookings are already in place. To inquire about rates and availability, send an email to: lawrence@liveonelgin.com. A diversity of acts and centralized location are creating a buzz of excitement for this gem to Ottawa’s artistic landscape.

LIVE! On Elgin is located at 220 Elgin St. (2nd floor). It is scheduled to open May 1st, 2015. You can follow them on Facebook.

]]>http://apt613.ca/live-on-elgin-theatre-and-music-in-the-heart-of-ottawa/feed/0Weekend Roundup: Quoi faire ce weekend?http://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-quoi-faire-ce-weekend-4/
http://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-quoi-faire-ce-weekend-4/#commentsThu, 05 Feb 2015 17:05:32 +0000Jean McLernonhttp://apt613.ca/?p=79672The snow just keeps coming down, and the temperature refuses to rise – even though many Ottawa residents are fed up with wet feet and cold noses. This has been a huge week for events like Megaphono, and the events just keep on coming as we look to distract ourselves until spring arrives.

All weekend long at the Shaw centre Sexapalooza is happening. Indulge your dirtiest desires and take in the novelty of this annual convention for sex seminars, shopping and workshops. Adult film star Tori Black will make an appearance during the convention as well.

Winterlude is in full force so make sure to pop downtown and check out the amazing ice sculptures and grab a beavertail. One of the events to hit is On The Rocks: Winter in Hokkaido, which brings the food, drinks and culture of Northern Japan to City Hall on Friday.

The 5th Annual Baltic-Nordic Film Festival ‘Bright Nights’ begins Friday and runs until February 14th. An incredible selection of films from countries like Lithuania, Denmark, Iceland and Estonia are brought together by the Canadian Film Institute and screened at the River Building Theatre in Carleton University. The themes are varied and cover everything from strained familial relationships, coming of age lethargy, volcanic explosions and separating the history of ones country from personal values.

If foreign films aren’t your thing, check out the Independent Filmmakers Cooperative’s COOL event on Friday. Ten filmmakers were given 24 hours and the theme of COOL to come up with films shot on super 8 film. The results should bring many new meanings to the word.

Cracking Up the Capital has its finale Saturday night. Catch some of Canada’s funniest comedians including Mike MacDonald, Mary Walsh and Dave Hemstad for the last night of this hilarious festival. The Winter Design Festival is also happening both Friday and Saturday bringing together fashion, art and design. The NAC will have the Winter Jazz Festival on their Fourth Stage with Ottawa’s Megan Jerome and the Together Ensemble opening up the fest on Friday.

Possible Words is having its launch party Saturday. This new and unique pop up space is geared towards independent culture and has many workshops and events happening over the next few weeks. The launch should be lots of fun with print-your-own postcards, DJ/visuals and the best of chinatown’s snacks.

Saturday night Maxwells hosts Here and There – The Origins of Beat, exploring how drums and local chants have become a significant part of Canada’s musical history. Click here for other events in celebration of Black History Month. Pressed has The Main Street Market Band for some african-latin-folk-jazz, and Bosveld, Skin Tone and Herons Wake play Mugshots as well.

Throughout the three day long Megaphono event, a lot of talk has been put towards discussing Ottawa’s need for a mid-sized venue that is able to maximize its capacity and provide an appropriate space for local bands to perform. Sunday from 3-5pm, Live! on Elgin is having their groundbreaking ceremony for media only to celebrate filling this void. Any media or artists looking to get on the guest list can check out Live!’s Facebook page for more information.

That’s it! Make sure you tag your amazing weekend activities with Apt613’s #apt613wknd hashtag to share the fun you’re having this weekend!

]]>http://apt613.ca/improteine-humour-rythme-et-complicite-cest-garanti/feed/0New year, new hashtag!http://apt613.ca/new-year-new-hashtag/
http://apt613.ca/new-year-new-hashtag/#commentsTue, 06 Jan 2015 16:46:30 +0000Amanda Armstronghttp://apt613.ca/?p=78518With the first Weekend Roundup of the year around the corner, we have exciting news for you all – the Apt613 Weekend HashtagProject is back! New year, new hashtag: #apt613wknd

There are all kinds of wonderful things happening in this city all the time – especially on the weekends – and we want to be sure to see them! Hashtag all your photos from the weekend’s events and we will feature some of the best on our Instagram feed.

Go out, do things, have fun, and take photos!

]]>http://apt613.ca/new-year-new-hashtag/feed/0New Year’s Eve in Ottawa, 2014http://apt613.ca/new-years-eve-in-ottawa-2014/
http://apt613.ca/new-years-eve-in-ottawa-2014/#commentsFri, 19 Dec 2014 19:22:04 +0000Kelsey Sunstrumhttp://apt613.ca/?p=78324It’s not too early to start thinking about your plans for New Year’s Eve, is it? Luckily, you have a number of fantastic parties to choose from around our great city. Wherever you end up December 31st, remember to stay safe and have fun!

If you’re looking for an extravagant night, the Mad Hatter’s NYE Party is the perfect opportunity to don your most outrageous, fabulous attire for an Alice in Wonderland-themed event. You could also choose to combat the cold at the Canadian War Museum’s festive Havana Nights, a Cuban celebration featuring DJ Ray, a candy bar, silent auction, and a dessert buffet. Eating, shopping, and dancing – what more can you ask for?

Foodies will delight at the New Year’s Dinner Dance at the National Arts Centre, which gives you delectable dinner and dancing to Big Band Ottawa and Tuxedo Junction. Or you might pick the 8-course menu, specially designed for New Year’s, at Le Cordon Bleu Bistro at Signatures Restaurant.

Haven’t checked out the new Lansdowne yet? New Year’s Eve is an excellent opportunity to do just that! The Scottish Society of Ottawa is holding their annual Hogmanay NYE night there, offering Scottish fare, dancing, skating, and fireworks. Best part? It’s free!

Ushering in the New Year downtown is a familiar favorite for this joyous occasion and there’s no shortage of parties happening this year in the core. Head to Sparks Street for their yearly fete which will be headlined by CMA winner Tim Hicks, Ottawa’s Autumns Cannon, and DJ 8barz. You’ll also get the Midnight Maple Leaf Drop and a fireworks presentation! At Barrymore’s, Punky Drewster’s busting out the best music from the 70s, 80s, 90s, and Top 40.

Kinki and Mambo have joined together to offer a Cabaret Night to welcome 2015. At Kinki, you’ll be entertained by burlesque performances and magic while at Mambo, you’ll be treated with flamenco dancers and mystic readings.

At Ritual, favorite DJ Charlie B will be featured while you can also get your dance on at The Velvet Room’s Masquerade Ball. Junxion’s NYE party is a guaranteed tasty time, with a cocktail hour, passed munchies, and a chocolate fondue station. Environment-conscious folk should consider Green Room, the carbon neutral nightclub, for their NYE plans.

Not looking to trek downtown for the NYE mayhem? Big Apple in the Capital, at Centurion Conference and Event Centre in the West end will give you the glamor of the downtown experience while staying close to home.

If dinner and dancing isn’t your scene, ring in the new year with laughter! Shenkman Arts Centre is hosting a Comedy Night, with comedians Evan Carter, Judy Croon, and David Merry.

Did we miss anything, Ottawa? How will you be spending your NYE?

Happy New Year & a fulfilling 2015!

]]>http://apt613.ca/new-years-eve-in-ottawa-2014/feed/2Weekend Roundup: Quoi faire ce weekend? + Originals ticket giveawayhttp://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-quoi-faire-ce-weekend-originals-ticket-giveaway/
http://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-quoi-faire-ce-weekend-originals-ticket-giveaway/#commentsThu, 11 Dec 2014 15:34:25 +0000Jean McLernonhttp://apt613.ca/?p=77987Ottawa, we really should have seen this coming after yesterday’s storm warning about the Dec 10th snowfall. Now, I know how tempting it is to shake down the nearest grocery store for all the egg nog they have in stock and take to the couch until it all goes away, but you would be missing out on incredible activities this weekend like Shopify’s Makers Market, Maxwell’s Bistro Strip Cheese III: Return of the Cheese Burlesque show, or the Berdy Elegance Networking Event for fashionable men.

Let’s start with Friday. ‘Makers Market’ will be at Shopify’s new home on Elgin street inside the gallery of the Performance Court. Shopify is renowned for supporting and nurturing local businesses, and their holiday sale promises to bring their unique vendors and local artisans together for an incredible shopping experience. Algonquin Commons Theatre will present the timeless Christmas story The Nutcracker all weekend. The Capital Chamber Choir is holding Noel Modernes at St. Joseph’s Parish at 8pm and will be presenting some contemporary seasonal choral music. Asphalt Watches and Womens Advocate will be at Gabba Hey! starting at 8pm. Both are films presented by Ottawa Explosion, Small Talk and the Ottawa International Animation Festival. The Strumbella’s play Mavericks at 9pm, Ginger Fox Band is releasing their newest EP, “Won’t Change“ at Rainbow Bistro and the monthly Hip-hop Karaoke is at the Elmdale Tavern starting at 10pm.

Saturday afternoon holds Wakefield’s Christmas Market starting at 3pm at the Wakefield Elementary School. Tone Cluster, an LGBTQ choir in the city is holding ‘Quite a Queer Qhistmas’ with more than 30 voices singing for equality and support with a range of music. Knox Presbyterian Church is holding Craftalicious 10am-4pm, and Ashbury College is hosting Help Lesotho PossibiliTEA, an empowering and informative opportunity for those looking to meet local and international advocates for change, enjoy stimulating conversation and find new ways to help women globally. The Flatliners play Ritual that night at 8:30pm along with PUP, Such Gold and The Dirty Nil. St. Patrick’s Highschool is also having their First Ever Last Minute Christmas Craft show for all of you who put off their shopping until the last minute, or are ahead of them depending on how late you typically leave it!

Sunday the Raw Sugar Café has Brew-Ha-Ha! Their monthly music and comedy open mic has slowly gained notoriety as being an excellent way to end off the weekend with laughter and good people. At 8pm The Bluesfest School of Music and Art will host Ihtimanska from Montreal, and the Clocktower Pub will be having A very Meeple Holiday Party from 5-10pm after the success from last years’ event. If you’re looking to get out of the house a bit earlier in the day, Harmonic Generation is having a “Silver & Gold” acoustic concert at Saint Paul University at 2:30pm.

This week we’re big on snow and blissfully short on outdoor activities, Ottawa. If you do brave the cold, get some practice skating at Lansdowne’s Public ice rink before the canal freezes!

Finally, the Originals Ottawa Christmas Craft Sale gets underway today at the Ernst and Young Centre. 200 Canadian vendors will be on site until the 21st and we’ve got five pairs of tickets to giveaway.To enter leave a comment below telling us the best handmade gift you’ve ever received. We’ll do a random draw at noon on Friday, December 12, 2014.

]]>http://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-quoi-faire-ce-weekend-originals-ticket-giveaway/feed/20Got a craving for some EFT-up comedy?http://apt613.ca/got-a-craving-for-some-eft-up-comedy/
http://apt613.ca/got-a-craving-for-some-eft-up-comedy/#commentsTue, 21 Oct 2014 18:05:01 +0000Jean McLernonhttp://apt613.ca/?p=75551Chris Hannay did. That’s why when he first moved to Ottawa with his EFT-up co-founding girlfriend Dani Alon, getting involved in the limited improv scene was a must. He quickly investigated and built relationships with other improv enthusiasts and groups like GRIMprov that has workshops for people wanting more exposure to improv; and Crush Improv that has a core group of individuals that performs shows and special events when they can. With a cross-over of artistic talents and acting support, the Experimental Farm Theatre group was born.

Experimental Farm Theatre is Ottawa’s newest improv theatre group. This homegrown comedy group performs twice monthly for the entertainment of the capital, and bring more than just an improv performance. EFT-up performs the first Tuesday of every month at The Rainbow Bistro for Experimental Farm Theatre Presents: Improv Cabaret. Ever been to an improv performance and felt like joining in on the fun? Improv Cabaret offers you the opportunity to do just that! Arrive early and throw your name in the hat for the chance to join the improv team on stage, and see just how fun and easy making things up can be! Want to just sit back and enjoy the show? Every performance has veteran performers from local groups like Crush Improv and GRIMprov in addition to live music, improve games and impromptu burlesque numbers! The next performance for Improv Cabaret is still up in the air, so stay tuned to the group’s website for updates.

If you can’t make the first Tuesday of every month, you can still catch this fantastic improv group at work monthly at Pressed for the EFT-up Comedy Show. This show takes audience suggestions and personal anecdotes from performers spun into hilarious, unscripted insanity. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm; tickets are $5. The group’s flagship performance packed the sandwich bar to the hilt, so make sure to get there early for the next show October 22nd to get a good spot!

Want more info on future shows? Follow EFT-up at @eftimprov or on their Facebook page.

]]>http://apt613.ca/got-a-craving-for-some-eft-up-comedy/feed/1Weekend Roundup + Beach House giveawayhttp://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-beach-house-giveaway/
http://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-beach-house-giveaway/#commentsThu, 02 Oct 2014 13:37:10 +0000Amanda Armstronghttp://apt613.ca/?p=75248Welcome to the greatest month of the year (please forgive my personal bias)! Apples, pumpkins, leaves, layers, and Halloween! But let’s not get ahead of ourselves – there is a ton of awesome events happening this weekend. A great start to a great month!

This weekend is launch weekend for Support Local, a month long festival of art, culture, food, music, beer, and all around local awesomeness. With over 75 participants, including restaurants, shops, and our homegrown artists, this month is chock full of fun things to do and see, to taste and create. This weekend, Support Local brings you TWIRL by Andrea Stokes at the Hintonburg Public House Vernissage on Thursday, as well as Twiss & Weber Paper Dolls Booklet. Let it Shine on Saturday, at JV Studios Jewellery Boutique, with a complementary jewellery cleaning while you enjoy a glass of wine and shop for more beautiful pieces! Then comes Sunday. We’ve got Make your own buttons happening on Sunday at Workshop Studio and Boutique. There is also Brew-Ha-Ha at Bridgehead Roastery, a monthly comedy and music open mic event brought to you by Greg Houston and Randy Hogg, whose first show is part of Support Local month. The Roastery is now fully liscensed, so come enjoy a few beers and many laughs. Click here for the full event listing.

This is also the weekend of Oktoberfest! Beau’s Oktoberfest is happening out at the brewery, in Vankleek Hill. Tickets for Saturday are sold out, but you can still get tickets for Friday. For an additional 10$, you can also participate in School of Bock, a series of educational beer events, from cooking with beer to beer and cheese pairings. Beau’s will be serving 13 of their beers, 7 of which are new! There will also be a Cask Haus, serving cask beers from other breweries. Some of the best restaurants around will be serving up delicious food, such as Union 613, the Smoque Shack, Backdrop, HPH and two six {ate} – everything from fried chicken to pulled pork to delicious dogs with Nightmarzen mustard. Add music and games to the mix and you’ve got yourself an awesome time!

If you can’t make Beau’s Oktoberfest on Friday night and don’t have a ticket for Saturday already, don’t worry, you can still get your fill of Oktoberfest at Creemore Springs Oktoberfest, happening at Clarke Fields Park in Barrhaven. Creemore will be serving up tasty beer and there will be plenty of tasty food to pair it with – as well as some great tunes.

What else is happening this weekend? The Ottawa Geek Market is in full swing at Nepean Sportsplex this Saturday and Sunday. A market for all things geeky – comics, board games, movies, and art (I could go on) – there is sure to be something to please your geeky side.

The fun doesn’t stop there, either. This weekend has more music, poetry, art, and (believe it or not) more beer to offer! Come support Ottawa’s slam team at their last fundraiser, Capital Slam vs Urban Legends Fundraiser, before they head out to represent our city at the National Championships in Victoria, BC. 10 poets, 10$ – and one helluva slam!

The Studio Cafe will host The World Cafe, Ottawa Edition, starting on Thursday and continuing throughout the weekend that includes a reception, discussion and dance. Patrick Gordon Framing will also host a vernissage for Juan Carlos Noria Solo Exhibit this Friday. The show features 56 new paintings on a variety of mediums, from canvas to wood to glass.

Friday at the Blacksheep, The Spilt and Crowded Room present “Doo Wop” Video launch party. Tickets are 10$ and for another 10$ you can get a spot on the shuttle bus, leaving from both the Bronson Centre and the Convention Centre. A great mix of horns, bass, and guitar, come groove out to some upbeat soul funk dance tunes about sadness. On Saturday, indie-pop band Gold & Marrow will be having their album release party at Blacksheep, with guests the Visit.

Last, but not least, indie dream-pop band Beach House will be playing at the Bronson Centre this Sunday, with Skyler Skjelset, and Steve Strohmeier. Want to win a pair of tickets to see this show? Just send an email with “Beach House” in the subject line to apartment613 [at] gmail.com by noon on Friday October 3. We’ll do a random draw then.

And, because we promised more beer, there is the Craft Beer Session at HPH with Kitchesippi, from 3-5pm this Saturday. Kitchesippi brewery will be pouring their beer at HPH, so come down and meet the brewery folk and sample the delicious beers they have to offer.

With a weekend so full of awesome, we expect lots of photos! Throw ‘em up on Instagram and #hashtag them #Apt613Weekend40!

]]>http://apt613.ca/weekend-roundup-beach-house-giveaway/feed/1Support Local: We build this cityhttp://apt613.ca/support-local-we-build-this-city/
http://apt613.ca/support-local-we-build-this-city/#commentsTue, 30 Sep 2014 18:03:35 +0000Karen Diepeveenhttp://apt613.ca/?p=75179It’s clear that there’s a lot of love for Ottawa these days. Heck, our city is even shaped like a heart. And so, to show our love for this city, we’ve brought Support Local month back for its fourth year.

What is Support Local? It’s a month-long series of unique, collaborative events, showcasing the best our creative side has to offer. We’ve got breweries taking over restaurants, crafters making small special batches of goods, and an awesome day out in Almonte on the 25th with pop-up shops and patio parties – these are just a few of the great events planned for October.

This year’s theme is We Build This City. It’s all about what we’re doing together, as a community – what we’ve built, what we’re building, and what we’re going to build. This city is constantly being constructed, re-imagined, and expanded because of the deep collaborative spirit that supports it all.

So get out and Support Local all month long! Check out our events calendar for full listings, and head over to our Support Local page for even more details.